Staten Island Advance/Hilton FloresThe Staten Island Children's Campaign, last night held its annual Michael J. Fortuanto Garage-A-Thon at the Staaten, West Brighton. Honorees Mary Thompson and Susan Glancy, third and fourth from the left, respectively, are flanked by John O'Leary, chairman of the group; Donna Long, the group's executive director, and Jim Devine, president and CEO of the New York Container Terminal, who presented the group with a generous $10,000 kickoff donation.

Susan Glancy and Mary Thompson were recognized during the annual Garage-a-thon, the campaign’s signature kickoff event, held for the first time in the Staaten, West Brighton.

More than 200 supporters, fans, volunteers and others turned out to honor the women and so many others who made last year’s event a near-$100,000 success.

Organizers noted that the effort included the inaugural Touch-A-Truck at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George and the second annual Toss for Tots.

Master of Ceremonies Bill Huus, the Advance’s managing editor, recognized Jim Devine, CEO of the New York Container Terminal, for stepping into the chairman’s role capably filled by Fortunato until his 2008 death. Devine reprised his $10,000 kick-off contribution to the campaign.

Sponsored by the Advance, the campaign raises funds for 16 local agencies that help 60,000 borough children.

Campaign Executive Donna Long, who presented the honorees with their awards, noted that the funds raised “are used to provide services to the neediest of Staten Island’s children.”

Ms. Glancy, secretary to Advance Editor Brian Laline, said it was an honor to receive an award “named for a man who was generous beyond words and completely dedicated to the children of this community.”

Like many last night, Ms. Thompson, a Westerleigh native and former president of the board of trustees of the Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, recalled Fortunato, as “the heart of the campaign.” She lauded the volunteers as key to the effort.